1. What is Japan Heritage?
(1) Recognition of Stories on Japanese Cultures and Traditions
Cultures and traditions of Japan are passed down through stories based on unique regional histories and traditions. The Agency for Cultural Affairs recognizes these stories as Japan Heritage.
The Agency aims to revitalize local communities through comprehensive maintenance and utilization of these attractive tangible and intangible cultural properties and their strategic promotion in Japan and overseas.
(2) Difference from World Heritage Sites and Designated Cultural Properties
Both the World Heritage list and Cultural Properties designation are intended for adding value to cultural properties (cultural heritage) and guaranteeing their protection. On the other hand, Japan Heritage is not meant to create new regulations to add value to or preserve existing cultural properties. Its aim is to revitalize local communities by linking each story, region, and Cultural Property and utilizing and promoting them as collective spaces.
(3) Effects Brought by Japan Heritage Designation
The stories authorized as Japan Heritage will increase recognition of the areas involved in the stories. Japan Heritage will generate various efforts to promote themselves, which will remind local residents of their identity and help give the community an identity. All these elements will stimulate the revitalization of local communities significantly.
(4) Official website
Please visit the official website for the latest information.
2. Criteria for the Designation of Japan Heritage
(1) Criteria
Japan Heritage designation is based on three criteria:
- 1
- Story must be based on historically unique traditions or local customs that have been passed down for generations.
- 2
- Story must have clear themes represented at the core of the narrative that support the area’s appeal. This can include cultural properties that are passed down and preserved in the area, such as structures, archaeological sites, places of scenic beauty, and local festivals.
- 3
- Story must include a narrative, rather than simply a summary of regional history or a description of local cultural properties.
Japan Heritage status is divided into two categories: - - Local Category: A narrative pertaining to one municipality
- - Collective (Network) Category: A narrative pertaining to several municipalities
- Each application must include at least one nationally-designated Tangible or Intangible Cultural Property. Locally recognized or unrecognized cultural properties that are part of the narrative may also be included.
(2) Application for the Japan Heritage Designation
The Agency for Cultural Affairs annually calls for applications at the prefectural Boards of Education.
- 1
- The applicant may be a municipal government. Application documents must be submitted to the Agency via the prefectural Board of Education.
Applications under the Collective Category may be submitted jointly in the name of all relevant municipalities. If the municipal governments are in the same prefecture, the prefecture may apply on their behalf. - 2
- Application requirements
Submissions for the Local Category must meet at least one of the following conditions:
• A municipal government that has developed the Basic Scheme for Historic and Cultural Properties or Plans for the Maintenance and Improvement of Historic Landscapes.
• A municipal government with submissions that have been included on the World Heritage List Nominations or its Tentative List.
(3) Screening by the Japan Heritage Review Board
Submitted stories are reviewed by the Japan Heritage Review Board based on the following criteria before decisions are made.
- - Review criteria
- 1
- Narrative describes the distinct historical features of the area as well as supporting the appeal of Japan as a whole.
- 2
- A concrete strategy with a future vision of how an area can develop while taking advantage of its cultural properties.
- 3
- Efforts have been coordinated to revitalize the local areas through Japan Heritage, such as effective, strategic domestic and international promotion of the stories.
3. The Japan Heritage Logo
The Japan Heritage logo was designed to show the appeal of the culture and tradition of Japan and can be displayed on pamphlets on the narratives of Japan Heritage designated by the Agency.The Japan Heritage Logo (20KB)
For more information on the logo, click here (in Japanese).
4. Supporting Local Revitalization through Japan Heritage Designation
The Agency launched the "Japan Heritage Promotion Project" to help show the appeal of Japan Heritage stories and local revitalization through the Japan Heritage designation. The Agency provides active support through (1) promotion and training, (2) publicity and education, (3) research and study, and (4) monetary support for Japan Heritage development and public use through a fund administered by the Japan Arts Council.
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